CALUM MCINTYRE has reflected on the end of a terrific run by calling for a new one from his Chester players.
The Blues' 11-match unbeaten stretch ended with last week's FA Cup loss at Scarborough Athletic and Chester are now looking to open a new run as they play host to National League North leaders Scunthorpe United on Saturday.
Manager McIntyre told Chester FC TV: "We've had a brilliant run and we're in a good position in the league and we're trying to hit those targets.
"There will be an emotional reaction to going out of the FA Cup, because of the way our club is.
"The players have give everything (at Scarborough) and in that run.
"We now need to go on another run."
It remains tight at the top of the standings, with Scunthorpe holding a one-point buffer over second-placed Chorley.
Chester, currently occupying fifth position in the standings, are just three points adrift of the front-runners.
McIntyre highlighted the need to "focus on your work and concentrate" as Chester prepare to return to league action.
He added: "We'll do everything we can to make sure we... bounce back, that we improve what we need to improve on and we get a positive result next week against Scunthorpe.
"Because we play Scunthorpe, we play Buxton, we play Curzon. The games are going to come thick and fast, and we're really clear on what the aim and expectations are."
Dom Tear's double helped Scarborough to their 3-1 FA Cup success success and Richie Bennett netted from the penalty spot.
Iwan Murray's excellent stoppage time free kick provided Chester with their solitary response.
McIntyre said: "Fundamentally, very disappointed to go out of the FA Cup.
"It's a competition that's very important to the football club. It has really unique rewards and I think my initial disappointment... (is) for our supporters and for the club in general, because you do feel like you've let them down when ypu exit a cup competition, particularly when you're so close to some reward to making the competition proper.
"But, it's happened before. We will go out of the FA Cup in future seasons.
"I think what's really important now is the way in which we respond."
Bailey Gooda had struck the woodwork before Tear opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Scarborough doubled their lead four minutes later when Bennett was fouled in the box by Ben Pollock.
Bennett sent Elyh Harrison the wrong way from the spot.
Tear put the tie to bed midway through the second half after he ran in behind the defence.
Murray pulled one back in added time with a fine free kick.
McIntyre added: "We've had a good run. We've let ourselves down today in terms of result and I think a group that has shown a lot of character and a lot of good signs need to show the right attributes to bounce back over what's going to be a really busy spell."
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